Middle school did not agree with most of us. Braces, bangs, and acne ran rampant. Our fashion choices, crushes, and dance moves made us cringe. However, not only were our bodies changing, but our minds were also changing rapidly. Middle school gave us the opportunity to taste independence for the first time and discern our identities. Grades six through eight greatly influenced us and our personalities. So instead of thinking poorly of middle schoolers, we should take the opportunity to help them through a tough, awkward period of life.

Now that I have grown in community with a group of middle school girls by leading a small group, I understand them better. Though they might overdramatize situations and troubles, their problems do matter to them. What might seem insignificant to you can really plague someone else. We do not have the authority to decide what is or is not important to someone, so instead we should respect their opinions. Yes, middle schoolers do make mountains out of molehills, however, instead of disregarding them, we should offer them guidance and demonstrate proper decision making skills.

Middle schoolers can also teach the older generations a lot about life. From my experience, middle schoolers know how to let go and have fun, try daring, new things, and find adventure in the everyday. I have learned many dance moves thanks to my small group girls, including "Juju on that Beat." Their friendships know no bounds and their loyalty can cause them to make mistakes. Middle schoolers have fantastic hearts, even though they can act immaturely. We cannot discredit the merit of middle schoolers based on their age.

Too often we view middle schoolers as burdens or nuisances. However, not only can we teach middle schoolers, they can teach us. Though we have wisdom, they have joy. We have experience; they have a fresh perspective. We have knowledge; they have hungry minds. Though middle schoolers do infuriate me sometimes, more often I have the opportunity to guide them and help them become better people. And they make me a better person. They fill me with happiness and joy, which cannot be underestimated. Instead of letting age barriers hinder our society, we should work together to create a better society